The strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo), also called albatross, is a bush or a small tree belonging to the family Ericaeaceae, widespread in the western Mediterranean countries and in the southern coasts of Ireland. Arbutus unedo grows to 5–10 m (16–33 ft) tall, rarely up to 15 m (49 ft), with a trunk diameter of up to 80 cm (31 in). It grows in hardiness zones 7–10. Arbutus unedo is quite an easy plant to cultivate, and is adaptable to many climates. Once established it is fairly drought resistant, frost resistant, shade tolerant and salt tolerant.

The fruits ripen in the following year compared to the flowering that gives rise to them, in autumn. The plant is therefore to host flowers and ripe fruits at the same time, which makes it particularly ornamental, due to the presence of three bright colors on the tree: the red of the fruit, the white of the flowers and the green of the leaves.